Wilmington’s 72nd Azalea Garden Tour opens
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 72nd Annual Azalea Garden Tour, presented by the Cape Fear Garden Club, kicked off this morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the grounds of one of Wilmington’s oldest homes.
The ceremony began with music from the Coastal Christian High School choir as guests took their seats in the backyard of the UNC-W Chancellor’s residence on Market Street. WWAY’s Jeff Rivenbark emceed the half-hour ceremony.
This year’s tour features 10 gardens, 6 of which are private. Garden Tour Chair Pia Ann Robison shared her role in the selection process.
“The gardens are selected by each garden tour chair, and so all the gardens were selected by me over a year ago, so it’s been a year in the making, and the Azalea Garden Tour committee has been wonderful to work with.”
Garden Club President Delores Hawes believes this year’s event reflects the theme “A Canopy of Blooms” perfectly.
“Well, the gardens are perfect this year; they’re in perfect bloom, and the weather is great, so we’re real thankful for those things.”
Azalea Ambassadors—young ladies, and since 2021, now gentlemen—from New Hanover County high schools are responsible for greeting guests at each garden. The ambassador role has grown over the years, with more boys participating. Borden Hooks and Alex Frettie shared why they decided to get involved.
“I wanted to be involved with the traditions in our community, and I’ve always kind of grown up around this festival, so I thought it would be fun to be involved with it.”
“They are super giving with the opportunities they have for us, and they put a lot of time and effort into this.”
The Cape Fear Garden Club is also celebrating a major milestone this year—its 100th anniversary. Queen Azalea Bethany Joy Lenz cut the ribbon, which officially marked the start of the self-guided garden tours, a tradition that began in 1953.
WWAY aired the ribbon-cutting live on CBS. “Good Morning Carolina” anchors Tomika Jackson and Matt Bennett provided live coverage before and after the ceremony.
As in years past, proceeds from ticket sales for the Azalea Garden Tour will be distributed as grants for beautification projects across New Hanover County.
